 "The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China")
In a feat of modern engineering, China officially opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge on Sunday, claiming the title of the world’s highest bridge from deck to ground. The structure soars an astounding 625 metres (2,050 feet) above the Beipan River gorge in Guizhou province.
The bridge’s inauguration marks an improvement in regional connectivity, immediately slashing a previous two-hour detour down to a mere two minutes for travellers in the rugged mountainous region.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which was constructed in just over three years, secures two major world records. Firstly, it is the world’s highest bridge: Its 625-meter clearance surpasses the previous record holder, the Duge Bridge (565 m), which is located upstream on the same river. Secondly, it is the largest-span mountain bridge. The total length of 2,890 metres and its massive central span of 1,420 metres make it the largest-span bridge ever built in a mountainous terrain.
The structure is a key component of the new Liuzhi–Anlong Expressway. As Zhang Yin, head of the provincial transport department, told AFP, the bridge’s opening offers “enormous improvements to regional transportation conditions and [injects] new impetus into regional economic and social development.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe new landmark cements Guizhou’s reputation as “the world’s bridge museum.” The hilly province is already home to thousands of bridges, including nearly half of the world’s 100 highest crossings, according to the Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
Beyond its crucial function as a transport link, the Huajiang Bridge is expected to become a major tourism draw. The design includes visitor-focused features such as a 207-metre sightseeing elevator, viewing platforms, and sky cafés, offering stunning, vertiginous views over the deep canyon below.
Separately, the world’s tallest bridge, measured by the height of its physical structure, remains the Millau Viaduct in France at 343 metres.